SAMAAnews Issue 2 of 2020
Our Mission: To add value to your flying experience through communication, information, promotion, education, and the support of dialogue.
Open skies, with First Person View (FPV) by Jaco Henn Photos taken at the 2019 National Championships, at Henley Model Airfield and Family Entertainment
The exhilaration of being in a cockpit and at the controls of an aircraft, is something all RC pilots crave. Not everyone gets to pilot a full-size craft, but with First Person View technology, piloting an RC fixed-wing or multi-rotor makes the flying experience a lot more real. As one of the newer Special Interest Groups, FlyFPVSA is very grateful to SAMAA for the support and guidance that has been provided over the past few years. SAMAA has also put in a lot of work ensuring that our aspect of the RC hobby is legal and formalised. Many of the entrenched ideas relating to RC flying were challenged with the introduction of multi-rotors and the realm of First Person View flying, but SAMAA ensured that all the operating procedures and guidelines for safe flying were in place. Bob and Linda are always helpful and supportive with special event registrations and permits, even when these are 'firsts' in many ways. FlyFPVSA deeply appreciates being part of an organisation with such a good track record. FPV Multi-Rotors
SAMAA News contents of Issue 2 of 2020
Multirotors are still frowned upon by some parts of the RC flying community and regrettably we also find that some clubs do not welcome multirotor pilots. While in some cases this is purely a logistical matter relating to shared airspace, some clubs actively denounce 'drones'.
Anyone who has piloted a multi-rotor can tell you that this is not an autonomous flying vehicle. It is a speed machine designed to travel up to 180km/h at low altitude, and perform flight and aerobatic manoeuvres solely based on pilot skill and control. These multirotors (or quads, as they are more commonly known) cannot hover in a stationary position. They cannot 'spy' on people, and they have no GPS locators, or return to home beacon, meaning they always have to be manned and flown within a spotter's line of sight.
Open Skies, with First Person View - Jaco Henn The SAMAA Management Committee SAMAA membership renewal Percy Attfield Control Line Hurricane - Keith Renecle From the SAMAA Office Large Scale Aerobatic News - Bruce Clark SAMAA information, contact details, SAMAA News information
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Al’s Hobbies Replicatorz Clowns Hobbies RC King Hobbies Goblin Hobbies Frasers RC Models Wing Bags,TX carry bags, and 4-Koffie Pylon Racer EasyWeb @Eaze RC Hobbies Snap Roll Models Annique Sunscreen Smitties Hobbies Your Local Dealer adverts
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SAMAA News Issue 2 of 2020 - Page 1
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Visit us today, for friendly service and expert advice! Multirotor FPV flying has become a stand-alone class within the FAI constructs (Class designation F9U) and South Africa has sent a national team to both World Cup events that have taken place to date. It is a young sport with pilots as young as 9 years winning international competitions. In terms of cost, barriers to entry are quite low although crashing can significantly dent the budget! South Africa's junior pilot started flying at 11years and represented South Africa when he was 15 years old.
Each race consists of a set of obstacles scattered through the track. A variety of H-frames, Cubes , gates, flags ensures that each pilot's skills are tested to the maximum. A Timing Station to record lap times and a Ground Station displaying the FPV feed of each pilot, helps to ensure no short cuts are taken in each race. The Ground Station also offers any curious spectators the chance to see what it looks like from the pilots point of view when flying.
Before every race it is always important to discuss and have a “walk through” to familiarize yourself with the track. Important areas like no fly zones, launch site, landing site and emergency procedures are also shared with all pilots to ensure every race remains a safe race.
SAMAA News Issue 2 of 2020 - Page 2
The fastest pilots in the world are all in their teens, and commercial and professionals leagues are popping up around the globe. Simulators An advantage of multi-rotors is that the pilots can practice indoors on simulators. During the pandemic, an International Race was hosted by T-Motor, and took place on the Velocidrone simulator. Two local pilots participated. Darren Ehlers said he saw the race advertised on Instagram and decided to take part. He says the level of competition was astonishing. He placed just outside the finalists bracket. According to Darren, “Virtual racing is a really different experience to actual racing. Velocidrone racing specifically is full throttle all the time, and the racing lines are incredibly tight. Virtual racing is really fun, allowing you to push the limit without risking the quad.”
Drone simulators offer a massive advantage to those pilots that make use of them. Although the dynamics are not so accurate, they are pretty close and there are a variety of simulators available. Some professional international racers practice hours per day to improve on basic or advance racing skills… but nothing beats the real thing.
SAMAA News Issue 2 of 2020 - Page 3
Exciting new Multi-rotor FPV classes With technology ever-improving, and electronic parts getting smaller and smaller, Multirotor FPV racing will be expanding into two new different classes, Whoops and Toothpicks. The smaller size offers the pilot a chance for indoor racing, making each piece of furniture, an obstacle. The idea will also be to approach schools to get kids involved with FPV racing at a younger age. The smaller multi-rotor poses a minimal to no risk or danger, and offers only an endless time of fun! Night Racing One of the most spectator-friendly aspects of multi-rotor FPV racing, is night racing. For the last two years, a sponsored invitational has been held in the Nelson Mandela Bay stadium during November. Pilots from the four most active provinces participate (Gauteng, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape). Advances in FPV camera technology have made night racing much less frustrating in recent years and the pilots can very often see better through their cameras than spectators can with the naked eye.
SAMAA News Issue 2 of 2020 - Page 4
The SAMAA Management committee
Danie Potgieter - Chairman
Burt Botha - Vice-chairman
Johan Blom - Development
Roland SuhrmĂźller - Special Interest Groups
Juanita Smith - Treasurer
SAMAA News Issue 2 of 2020 - Page 5
Alec Groenewald - Compliance and Communication
Linda Dold - Secretary. Administration
Bob Skinner - General Manager
SAMAA News Issue 2 of 2020 - Page 6
Percy Attfield Control Line Hurricane
by Keith Renecle The moment of truth when the Hurricane got wind under its wings. Is this the new Circle of Knowledge?
Percy started to build his semi-scale Hurricane in January this year, and we in CLASA have been looking forward to seeing it completed and also flying with great enthusiasm. It started out as a RSM Distribution kit of the Jack Sheeks Hurricane, but Percy modified here and there, and also added dihedral in the wings. The other neat mod was to make it a take-apart model because he stays in France and the UK for part of each year, and would like to fly it there as well. The model was completed during June but due to the Covid 19 virus, we were unable to do any flying. The RSM kit is a slightly enlarged version of the original Jack Sheeks Hurricane which had the old faithful Fox .35 in it. It requires an engine from a .40 to .46 in it but Percy decided to electrify his model and used the Black Tiger 3648C-900 motor, with a 40 amp ESC and a 4 cell lipo of 2700 mAh. The model weighs just over 1500 grams, and the prop is an APC 11 x 5,5 E reverse pitch prop. The reverse pitch adds a little extra torque to pull the nose out on take-off. The timer he used is the KR Governor timer. Percy originally wanted to add some electric retracts because the KR Timer ver. 2-R has an output for retracts; the extra complexity and added weight did not seem like a viable option. The finish is aerosol can lacquer spray paint, and I drew the decals using Inkscape software, and had them made at a local print shop. They are printed on thin vinyl and also cut around the edge so they are easy to use. On Saturday the 4th July 2020, in the morning, a few of us got together to watch the first test flights at Evert Scholtz's C/L circle in Elandsfontein SH near Barnstormers. This is the first week-end where we were allowed to fly models since the pandemic started, so we were all rather keen to see the Hurricane fly. Percy was joined by myself, Evert Scholtz and Karl Jensen. After all of the normal pre-flight tests of the model and the lines, the Hurricane lifted off and flew really well. It was a joy to see, even though Percy carefully only flew four test flights with no aerobatics. Congratulations to Percy on a job well done and we look forward to seeing it flying some nice aerobatics soon! I am hoping that this will inspire some others to build and fly some more semi-scale stunt models! I made a video of the flight testing and you can find it on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/S6UszQKVthg
The semi-scale Hurricane during the construction process. Torque rod for the flaps protruding from the wing fillet section. Control line model is takeapart, which makes it easier with travelling long distances and on airliners.
Classic lines from the Hawker stable; Sydney Camm was designer.
Percy holding the semi-scale Hurricane...nice project!
Electric motor driving a clockwise-rotating prop. SAMAA News Issue 2 of 2020 - Page 7
Blast from the past! South African aeromodellers have always prominently featured in international competition, in many of the disciplines. There is no longer any competitive free flight activity, and we do not participate in certain of the FAI classes. In the SAMAA office, we have digitally preserved many historical photographs, and here are a few photos of famous South African competition modellers.
FAI Gold medallists at the 1979 RC Soaring World Championship in Amay, Belgium. Frik Roos, Roy Spavins, and Nord Gerneke, with John King and Jack Abbot in front.
Allan Platt and his Be2e, pictured here at the 1974 SA Nationals at Port Elizabeth Radio Flyers. Allan competed with this Be2e in the 1976 World Championship for Scale, at Dala Airport in Borlange, Sweden. As the only entrant for South Africa, he placed 16th.
John Calefato, John Cunningham, and Ben Bothma, here at the 1981 SA Games. John Calefato represented South Africa at the 1967 Free Flight World ChampionshipS; again in 1991, for RC Aerobatics. John Cunningham was a member of the 1977 team to the World Champs in Springfield, USA.
Has your club submitted its Covid-19 Management Plan? Without a valid Compliance Certificate/Permit, members of a SAMAA-registered club or site, may not congregate at, and use the facility. Ask your club management if it has acted on this, and submitted your club’s application. More details from the SAMAA office, admin@samaa.org.za or gm@samaa.org.za SAMAA News Issue 2 of 2020 - Page 8
From the SAMAA Office
Bob Skinner
2020 will go down in history as the “damp squib” of the 21st century! The Corona virus outbreak at the end of 2019, first announced to have originated in Wuhan, China, brought untold hardship for millions of people across the world, and COVID-19, as the WHO christened this virus, has become a household term for this scourge. I have not closely followed the origins of this virus, or the spread, that has now turned to a pandemic. It is noteworthy that most countries are afflicted, but a small country, with citizens who are generally disciplined, and a competent government, has effectively managed contain the spread of COVID-19, with the lowest infection rate, and lowest death rate in the world. I have visited Taiwan on two occasions, and for a country that is only 0,03% in area the size of South Africa, and a population of 23 million, I can attest to the obedience of the citizens that I came into contact with; they are a hard-working nation, disciplined, extremely productive, without being control freaks. There has been no need for a lockdown, or a shut-down of social and economic life, since the first reported cases in Taiwan. Aeromodelling has suffered COVID-19 on every continent, with clubs and sites being closed, and no competitions taking place. European countries were quick to formulate strategies to get their members airborne again, with extreme safety measures to protect the modellers. The Fédération Français d’Aéromodélisme (the SAMAA aeromodelling equivalent) issued a detailed publication, clearly and colourfully illustrated, which helped pave the way for the FFAM with their submission to the French authorities. This was already at the end of April, and by the first week of May, the French modellers were able to resume and enjoy their activities. This was at the beginning of their flying season, in the northern hemisphere spring, and they were naturally eager to emerge from their winter hibernation! Numbers were initially limited to only10, with the other well-known protocols and requirements of hygiene, social distancing, masks, etc. With many foreign clubs, it is a tradition to have a fully functional restaurant/kiosk on site, serving hot meals and refreshments. This custom of hospitality had to cease for the time being. Here in our own country, the minister of Transport, together with the Honourable Members of the command council, thought it prudent to treat the South Africa aeromodellers like the majority of its citizens. This lead to frustration with many SAMAA members; many of the level-headed members understood why these, in the view of some, draconian measures, it was necessary to heed these regulations, and generally there was compliance. However, like in all spheres of life, there were a few miscreants who were going to defy all reasonable measures. I guess it takes all types to make up a society. Finally, in the first weeks of July, the Transport ministry handed down a ruling to the South African Civil Aviation Authority, and the Aero Club of South Africa, for some relaxation to general and recreational aviation. I’m sure many members will join me in thanking the management of the Aero Club for the countless hours of negotiation, presentations, virtual meetings, and support for aeromodelling. The SAMAA management was immediately galvanized into action, with a template/example of a strategic management plan for clubs to get their members flying again. In three weeks, nearly 90 clubs had submitted their COVID-19 Management Plans, and they have all received permits of compliance to resume activities.
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Our Special Interest Groups have also submitted COVID-19 management plans for competitions to resume, with competitor numbers limited to suit the various activities. Other considerations were now necessary; just think of the traditional scoring methods, and handling the paper trail. And having callers/assistants, and judges/officials, and more than one person touching and handling equipment, and the measures for having a safe results and prize giving function. Indeed, it demanded a different mind set. New SIG Group chairman The SAMAAs Special Interest Group activities will henceforth be under the supervision of Roland Suhrmüller; his appointment as chairman of the SIGs was ratified at the last SAMAA Management Committee meeting, which was conducted by Zoom, from the SAMAA office. Quite a few international aeromodelling meetings, Aero Club council meetings, and SAMAA meetings have used this technology, and although some participants have expressed the somewhat impersonal nature of the new-style virtual meetings, it will certainly become an effective, affordable way of conducting business. The FAI is in the process of developing an electronic virtual voting process, that will be used for the 2020 FAI General Conference, as opposed to the usual very costly face-to-face Conferences. Delegates and Commission members were required to travel vast distances, and spend inordinate amounts of money to be able to attend this annual evewnt, usually at a different location and country each time. Competition On the international scene, only a handful of countries have returned to competition, with limited numbers to minimise the potential of transferability of the virus. International events, those which are usually called FAI Class 1 events, have all been cancelled for this year, and World Cup events could be staged, but no ranking was allowed, since not all countries allowed cross-border travel. In some cases, World and Continental Championships have been re-scheduled for 2021. In some cases, classes may now have world championship events in successive years, deviating from the usual two-year cycle. This has affected our FAI F2B control line Stunt team, with Evert Scholtz and team manager John Withers who were due to be in Poland for the FAI F2 World Championships. This championship will now take place at the same venue in Poland (Wloclawek), in 2021, and in 2022 there will be another world championship for control line. In a few other cases, a Continental Championship will run concurrently with a World Championship. Blast from the past In the last few days, I was digging through the SAMAA archives and hard drives to find pictures of our juniors who have achieved top-honours in world championship events, and while searching for a clear photo of Rostie Dugmore, I found the picture below (left), which is of great historical significance. The background to this photograph: Tsugutaka Yoshioka became world champion in RC Aerobatics in 1973, when the event was held in Gorizia, Italy, near the border of Slovenia, known then as Yugoslavia. Wolfgang Matt of Liechtenstein, placed second. John Brink and Ivan Olivier were two of the South African team members (Charlie Marincowitz being the third, with Dave Jenkins the team manager). With the jet-style aerobatics of the day, it was jokingly said that competitors were doing their turnarounds so far out that they were turning in Yugoslavian airspace! Forty years later, these four gentlemen were together again, at the 2013 F3A World Championship, which was flown at the Midvaal Raceway near Meyerton. This time Ivan and Yoshioka-san were judges, John was the chief organiser, and Wolfgang was the team manager for Stefan Kaiser, the lone entrant from Liechtenstein. Wolfgang has been a visitor to South Africa on several occasions (also privately, on holidays), and gained his second aerobatic world championship title in South Africa at the Barawanath airport, south-west of Johannesburg in 1979. John Brink represented South Africa on five occasions at world championships (twice as team manager), and Ivan Olivier competed in world championships in 1973, 1975, 1977,1979, and 1983. I attended the 2019 F3A World Championship in Casa Bianca near the industrial town of Brescia in northern Italy, as an FAI Jury member. After the event, Marietjie and I had made plans to visit Slovenia, a beautiful Balkan enclave with a very short coastline with the north Adriatic. Unfortunately we were informed that the vehicle we had hired, was not to enter Slovenia, and was restricted to Italy, Austria, France, Switzerland, and San Marino. We had to naturally change our planned holiday, with accommodation that was already pre-booked in the beautiful town of Bled. Our port of entry was going to be Gorizia/Nova Gorica, and we made a short detour to visit the flying field at Gorizia, for no other reason but to see where John and Ivan spent ten days in 1973. We took a few photos in and around Castello Gorizia, and sent them via WhatsApp to Ivan. I was unaware that the closing ceremony/banquet/prize giving of the 1973 RC WC took place in the very same castle, which brought a tear to Ivan’s eye! Anyway, our hastily-changed plans took a different route. on the famous Great Dolomites Road, a spectacularly beautiful scenic route through the Dolomite mountain range, and we saw a beautiful area of north-east Italy that we would otherwise not have seen, albeit at nearly double the price! It was high-summer holidays, and this single carriageway was thronged with thousands of cyclists, motorcyclists, hikers, and camper vans. The added benefit of this 240km, 4-day slow passage, is that one can admire the scenic beauty at one’s own leisure. We made several stops to take in the scenery, and experienced four nights of wonderful hospitality. However, I would still like to visit Slovenia, someday, when my ship comes in, and when the Corona virus is a distant memory!
Tsugutaka Yoshioka (Japan, the world’s champion in 1973), Wolfgang Matt (Liechtenstein, WC in 1975 and 1979), Ivan Olivier (SA Champion 1980), and John Brink (SA Champion 1973 and 1979). Picture was taken at the closing banquet of the 2013 F3A World Championship, at the Tsogo Sun, Riverside, Vanderbijl Park.
Monument/statue of Edvard Rusjan, a noted pioneer Slovenian aviator. This statue stands on a plinth at the airfield in Gorizia, Italy.
SAMAA News Issue 2 of 2020 - Page 10
Tsugutaka Yoshioka and the famous Blue Angel. This was before MK produced a kit of the Blue Angel, and reporters of the championship referred to the sleek swept-wing model as the “Sabre Liner”. Digicon 6 radio, Enya .60 power, 40% nitro-methane!
Aero Club of South Africa celebrates 100 years The reason I had been digging for pictures of our juniors, is to provide material to John Illsley, who has been commissioned by the Aero Club to produce a Centenary Year Book. This magnificent piece of work is in excess of 450 pages, and covers all the sporting aviation disciplines and activities of the Aero Club and its sections, which celebrates 100 years of existence in 2020. So sad that many of the planned celebratory events have had to be cancelled or postponed due to the current pandemic. A chapter has been devoted to each section of the Aero Club, richly illustrated, and John was able to find some historical pictures that I did not even know existed! This printed coffee table book will be available later this year, and will most certainly be a much sought-after commodity. History Preservation Project Donations of historically-significant material are periodically made, and all of this helps to build the history of our proud movement. Often it is equipment that was used by local modellers, and sometimes it is old letters, or photographs. The latest donations were from Theo Kleynhans, of control line paraphernalia, Tatone DT clockwork timers, etc. Boet Denysschen This is a replica of the Eda V, one of Edvard Rusjan’s creations. and Jets-r-Us donated prints of each of the Darryl Legg paintings that were done at every Gariep Fly-in. These now proudly adorn the office of the SAMAA GM! Thank you guys. Then Lawrence Nicolin donated a Micro Avionics Tx, some DMECO electric retracts from the early 1960s, servos, an OS Pixie Tx, and airbrush fittings. This equipment was given to him by Rod Short, but originally belonged to Ray Tink. Business as usual Both Linda and Bob are manning the SAMAA office again, in person. The necessary precautions and protocols are in place, and we respectfully ask visitors to please observe these basic requirements; wear your face masks, clean your hands with the sanitisers in the office, and maintain a safe distance. We have been donated a digital thermometer (thank you, we respect your wish to remain anonymous!), and we welcome members who prefer to collect their membership cards, or make payments at the office. During the first few weeks of the lock-down, we worked from our respective homes, and although it worked fine, there is just something to be said for working from a dedicated office, with interaction, sharing thoughts, looking at documents, and being able to serve members. For those wishing to visit, your temperature will be taken by the contracted security staff at the Bravo gate; tell them you are visiting us in building R4, and proceed to park in the parallel bays in front of the building (we are in the first building on your right, single storey, office number 24).
The first attempt of the brothers Rusjan (Josip and Edvard) was Eda 1. They built six variants of Eda’s in the short space of a six months. Edvard died in1911 when the wing of Eda VII folded during a demonstration flight near Belgrade. It is reported that 14 000 people attended his funeral.
We sincerely hope that the remainder of this “damp squib” year will be more fruitful, and that members will still enjoy their flying in the newnormal conditions. Times will get better, and events may start happening towards the end of the year. Three national championships are likely to only take place next year, and team selection procedures have had to be adjusted accordingly. Check with your Special Interest group chairmen, and offer your help and services so that we can regain the lost ground. At committee level, we realised that our hobby dealers are under tremendous strain, and in an effort to help their situation, we gave opportunity for free advertising in this issue of SAMAA News. Please support your local dealers. In most cases, they are the first point-of- The beautiful alpine lake Karersee/Carezza, 25km south-east of Bolzano. contact with the hobby, and they promote the value of SAMAA This was a favourite spot of the Empress of Austria, Sisi (Elisabeth). membership at the initial stages with new entrants to our exciting hobby and sport. Safe flying!
The Darryl Legg paintings in the SAMAA offices.
A quaint little village near Lago di Sauris (in the province of Udine). SAMAA News Issue 2 of 2020 - Page 11
SAMAA News Issue 2 of 2020 - Page 12
Large Scale Aerobatics Bruce Clark
With the 2020 LSA calendar approved, the SIG looked as if 2020 was going to be a bumper year but COVID-19 put a halt to the proceedings and only one local competition at the time of the article going to press took place in KZN (see results below). Some judges and pilots during lockdown attended a five-week online judging school hosted by the Europe region of IMAC where the rules, scoring criteria, judging principles, and Free Style was discussed. L S A however had their first Extravaganza ever, which was a great success thanks to Justin Gomersall and Stan Fincham; the article about the Extravaganza has been featured in a previous SAMAA News issue. LSA lost a friend and a great pilot, Clive McInnes, who has been a mentor and coach to many up-and-coming pilots in LSA. Clive has left our shores for the UK , LSA wishes Clive and his family the very best in their new venture. Model pilots may be wondering how we operate. Well, here is an overview of LSA SIG which flies under the banner of IMAC. While other disciplines within the radio control community fly aerobatics, the requirement for scale aerobatics is that the models must be replicas of types known to have competed in International Aerobatic Club (IAC) competitions. A wide choice of competitive aircraft are available to today's modellers in both kit and ready-to-fly versions. Some of the most popular competition planes, such as the Extra 330 pictured here, are available from numerous manufacturers. IMAC – International Miniature Aerobatic Club originally started as a Special Interest Group under the US modeling organization, AMA. The International Miniature Aerobatic Club (IMAC) has grown to represent and organize scale aerobatic competition on a global level. IMAC is a non-profit organization focusing on pilot education and maintenance of rules and guidelines governing the sport. Pilots interested in scale aerobatic competition are encouraged to join and support the organization's mission. The competition Groups of pilots come together to fly and compete in organized events, operated under established rules. Pilots fly a “sequence” of preestablished manoeuvres in front of judges. Starting with a perfect score of 10 for each manoeuvre, judges will deduct for deviations or errors. Sequences generally consist of 8 – 10 manoeuvres. As with full-scale competition, pilots are separated into classes with each class getting progressively more challenging. Each class has a “known” sequence published every year that is flown at every event held during that calendar year. In the higher classes, a sequence is presented to the pilot at the event that they have not seen before (called an “unknown”). Scoring is based by “round” which consists of all pilots in a class flying their sequence in front of the same judges. The pilots are then ranked within that round. The pilots fly their sequences again. By rule, the pilot's lowest round(s) may be dropped. In the end, the pilot in a class with the highest score, wins the event. There are five main classes:
• • • • • •
Basic – Entry level class with basic aerobatic manoeuvres. Pilots in this class may fly ANY plane of any size which does NOT have to be a scale model of a competition plane. This class flies only a KNOWN sequence. Sportsman – Manoeuvres get just a little more challenging, and pilots are now required to use scale model aircraft. In this class, unknowns are introduced. Intermediate – Manoeuvres increase in difficulty as slightly more complex figures are introduced. Unknowns become more challenging. Advanced – In this class, the pilot should be able to fly most any figure presented. The difficulty here is that sequences get more challenging as more complex figures are added together. Unlimited – exactly what it sounds like….no limits! Pilots in this class are presented with the most challenging sequences and complex unknowns. A true test of pilot and machine that requires experience and skill, developed over time. In addition to the main competition classes, there are two other classes that may be offered at an event: Free Style – spectator sport extraordinaire! Aerobatic flying set to music! No predefined figures as anything goes in this class! Pilots are judged on originality, musicality, and general piloting skills. Free Style is not offered at all events but is the most popular part of an event for the non-flying crowd. Free Style competition is open to pilots of ANY class, but the pilot must also compete in a main class.
KZN LSA competition - 14 February 2020 Overall, there were eight pilots flying in the KZN contest. In no particular order they were: Brad Rae, Ian Becke, Inus de Wet, Johan de Lange, Justin Lees, Lloyd Wing, Mark Savage, and Rob Hill. These pilots flew a grand total of 96 judged sequences. Rob Hill won the Basic class. There were two pilots in Basic.The winning order was: (1) Rob Hill and (2) Lloyd Wing. They flew four known sequences (two rounds).The scores ranged from a low of 740.2 to a high of 1,000 (a range of 259.8 points). Inus de Wet won the Sportsman class.There was one pilot in Sportsman, Inus de Wet. He flew four known sequences (two rounds). Ian Becke won the Intermediate class, with two pilots. The winning order was: (1) Ian Becke and (2) Brad Rae. They flew four known sequences (two rounds). The scores ranged from a low of 925.7 to a high of 1,000 (a range of 74.3 points). Justin Lees won the Advanced class between three pilots. The winning order was: (1) Justin Lees, (2) Mark Savage and (3) Johan de Lange. The scores ranged from a low of 715.8 to a high of 1,000 (a range of 284.2 points). The tightest competition was for 1st place in the Intermediate class. 2020 Sponsorship LSA have been very fortunate, thanks to Geoff Dale from Snaproll Aeromodels, to receive a sponsorship from 3W. In return, LSA with the help of Geoff, put together relevant marketing merchandise which can and will be used at Regional and National competitions. This is in the form of a gazebo, judges chairs, pop-up banners, and table cloths. Below are examples and a big thank you to Geoff Dale. Please visit his website on www.snaproll.co.za and his Facebook page on https://www.facebook.com/3wmotorssouthafrica
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Tel 060-525-4400 SAMAA News Issue 2 of 2020 - Page 14
SAMAA
The mission of the SAMAA is to add value to your flying experience through communication, dissemination of information, promotion, education, and the support of dialogue.
The SAMAA organisation, and the management committee Danie Potgieter Burt Botha Alec Groenewald Linda Dold
Chairman Vice-chairman Compliance. Communication Secretary
flyf3a@gmail.com burtbotha2@gmail.com alec@newnationprojects.co.za admin@samaa.org.za
082-875-8228 082-771-3485 082-456-5587 011-973-3679
Who leads our organisation, serves you, and provides guidance? Johan Blom Development. Proficiency development@samaa.org.za Roland Suhrmuller Special Interest Groups sigchair@samaa.org.za Juanita Smith Treasurer info@alshobbies.co.za Bob Skinner General Manager gm@samaa.org.za
083-269-3603 082-461-4889 083-630-8975 083-283-1681
The SAMAA administration and office Where do you find the SAMAA office, and who handles the administration, membership, and provides assistance? PO Box 7116, Bonaero Park 1622. Tel/fax 011-973-3679. Fax-to-email 086-607-8733. Office 24/25, Building R4, Denel Technical Academy, 131 Atlas Road (Denel north entry), Bonaero Park. GPS Coordinates: S26o 08' 41.80" E028o 15' 59.04" (co-ordinates for the main entrance to building R4 on the campus) Bob Skinner General Manager. gm@samaa.org.za 011-973-3679, 083-283-1681. Linda Dold Assistant to the GM, and SAMAA secretary. admin@samaa.org.za 011-973-3679. The Special Interest Groups of the SAMAA (SIGs) Roland Suhrmuller Keith Renecle Grant Brook Brett Lewis Carlo Steyn Jaco Henn Matthys Botha Koos Pretorius Dean Grobbelaar Bruce Clark Wayne Urquhart Pieter Mulder
Who manages the competitive activities of the SAMAA? Chairman of the Special Interest Group committee sigchair@samaa.org.za Control Line Association of South Africa (CLASA) - Control Line flying krenecle@netactive.co.za Model Aerobatic Association of South Africa (MAASA) - RC PrecisionAerobatics chairman@maasa.co.za Model Gliding Association (MGA).- All forms of RC soaring brett@camerastuff.co.za Model Helicopters South Africa (MHSA) - RC Helicopter flying carlosteyn@live.co.za Fly-FPV-SA - Multi-rotor and First Person View Drone Racing jaco@potshot.co.za South African Miniature Pylon Racing Association (SAMPRA) - RC Pylon Racing bothamj@hotmail.com National Association of Scale Aeromodellers (NASA) - Scale flying jadriaan9@gmail.com South African Model Jet Association (SAMJA) - Turbine Jet activity deang@aerialconcepts.co.za Large Scale Aerobatics (LSA) - Scale Aerobatics brucegc1@gmail.com National Model Fun Fly Association (NMFFA) - Competition Fun Flying urquhartwayne@gmail.com South African Model Parachute Enthusiasts - Model Skydiving easyupenterprises@gmail.com
082-461-4889 083-415-4109 082-888-0670 076-191-5277 083-292-2145 083-271-5991 073-895-9909 082-928-0368 082-338-9508 076-421-7859 082-418-3456 082-828-5719
How do I become a member of the SAMAA? Request an application form the SAMAA office staff at 011-973-3679. Or, visit www.samaa.org.za for a fillable MS Word form, under “Information”, then “Membership”. An on-line application process is displayed on www.samaa.co.za. Or simply submit your details by e-mail: typically we require your name, ID number, address, telephone, fax, cell number, and club. Send this to: admin@samaa.org.za Subscription fees for membership to the SAMAA From 1 January to 31 December 2020 From 1 January 2021 • Regular/adult members (19 to 60 years of age) R450 R475 • Junior members (18 years old and younger) R250 R250 • Senior Citizens/Retirees (60 years and older) R295 R310
Change of address or contact details? Please visit the website www.samaa.co.za and sign in with your log-in and password. If you do not have a log-in and password, you may request this automatically, if you have a correct e-mail address on the membership programme. No internet? Contact the SAMAA office on 011-973-3679 to change your address.
One of the SAMAAs main functions and responsibilities, is to protect and serve your interests The SAMAA needs your help, to ensure that your rights and flying privileges are protected. Through the SAMAA, its Special Interest Groups, and numerous registered clubs throughout the country, you can experience the protection of your rights, and enjoy the real benefits in all aspects of model aviation. • Advice On the building and flying of model aircraft, competition activities, airshow planning, club layouts, displays, special air events, illegal flying, regulations, airspace, advocacy, etc. • Clubs Enjoyment of your activity in a group context. All SAMAA clubs are approved and registered with the SAMAA, and the South African Civil Aviation Authority. • Insurance Cover of R20m per claim for damage to property, or injury or death to third parties (and member-to-member cover), for accidents or incidents that may arise from model flying activities. • Proficiencies Recognition for our members’ flying proficiency, at all levels, and all disciplines. • Guidelines On starting and registering a new club. For frequency operations, interaction with full-size aviation, Manuals of Operation, local operating procedures. • SAMAA News To inform, communicate, educate, advise, and promote. This is your mouthpiece/forum as a member. Great promotional value for clubs, dealers, distributors. • Rules Local and international, specifications of model aircraft, frequencies, safe flying practices, team selections, competitions. • Web pages Good aeromodelling content, great links, regular updates, diary of events. Excellent membership site for self-maintenance. • Representation The SIGs represent all competitive branches of aeromodelling. The SAMAA represents all members and clubs at a higher level of governance and regulation. • Affiliations To the Aero Club of South Africa, and the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale. Also to other institutions, like the Civil Aviation Authority, SA Air Force, ATNS, Denel, etc. • Frequencies Protection by ICASA of frequencies in the national spectrum, which are allocated to radio control operations. • Airspace Managing of airspace at registered model flying sites, through the CAA. The SAMAA is the only CAA-approved Aviation Recreation Organisation (ARO) for aeromodelling. • CIAM Direct link with the CIAM (Commission for International Aeromodelling), which governs all world-wide competitive aeromodelling activities, competitions, and records. These are just a few of the services that the SAMAA is able to offer its members. Benefit from these services, and let our combined membership add to the voice and strength of SAMAA.
Get a non-member to join today, and let’s make the SAMAA stronger!
SAMAAnews
The SAMAA News: its publication, submission of material, advertising
The SAMAA News is composed and published digitally, and distributed electronically to SAMAA members. It is produced in-house, until the position of an editor is advertised and filled. The SAMAA GM has been tasked to compile, edit, and produce the newsletter, and the office staff distribute the SAMAA News by e-mail to members, and interested parties. samaa-admin@mweb.co.za. PO Box 7116, Bonaero Park 1622. Tel 011-973-3679. Fax 086-607-8733. The views and opinions expressed in the SAMAA News, and the advertisements placed, do not necessarily represent the views of the SAMAA, its members, or its Management Committee. These are published for the interest and comments of our members and readers, and are not specifically endorsed, or verified for accuracy. Check with the editor for the closing dates of submission of material. Photographs (conventional & electronic), are welcome. Long articles must be computer-generated, and must be in either MS Word, or editable text. Limit articles to 1 000 words - which is about a page-and-a-half in SAMAA News. You may e-mail your contributions, including graphics and pictures to: samaa-admin@mweb.co.za. Ensure that captions accompany all pictures, and that the pictures are of reasonable resolution, not e-mail resolution.
To advertise: Contact the SAMAA office. You must supply finished artwork in JPG format, to at least 300 dpi at the final size. Terms for all advertising is payment on receipt of invoice, as per the rate card below. The SAMAAs bank details are: Nedbank, Menlyn Pretoria, branch code 1605 45, current account 1605 126 772.
Your Local Dealers Web
Welkom
SAMAA News Issue 1 of 2019 - Page 6
SAMAA News Issue 2 of 2020 - Page 15
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